Predictors of Changes in Height, Weight, and Body Mass Index After Initiation of Central Nervous System Stimulants in Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

OBJECTIVE

To identify predictors of changes in height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) starting central nervous system (CNS) stimulants.

STUDY DESIGN

There were 230 medication-naïve children aged 5-12 years with ADHD who participated in a randomized trial evaluating the impact of CNS stimulants on growth over 30 months. This observational analysis focused on the 141 participants using study medication for 65 or more days in the first 6-months after starting medication. Biometric variables, ADHD, and oppositional defiant disorder symptom scores at medication initiation, and medication use over the study were examined as predictors of changes in standardized (z) height, weight, and BMI.

RESULTS

Mean changes in z-BMI, z-weight. and z-height were negative throughout the study. The most consistent predictors of change in z-BMI, z-weight, and z-height were percent days medicated and total medication exposure. Children with lower z-height and z-weight at medication initiation experienced greater z-BMI and z-weight decreases over the first 6 months on medication. Greater appetite suppression during dose optimization predicted greater decreases in z-weight over the entire study and a greater decrease in z-height over the first 6 months on medication. z-weight change correlated with z-height change. Behavioral symptoms did not predict changes in z-BMI, z-weight, or z-height.

CONCLUSIONS

How much and how often CNS stimulants are used predicts changes in z-BMI, z-weight, and z-height in children. Even smaller and lighter children may be at risk for decreases in z-weight and z-BMI. Parent ratings of appetite during dose titration may serve as feasible indicators of future weight and height change in children using CNS stimulants.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicialtrials.gov: NCT01109849.